Perry parlayed the exposure into a modelling career, appearing in photoshoots in publications such as the RIDGID Tool Calendar and working as a spokesmodel for the energy drinks Matrix and Red Bull.[5] Upon graduating from FSU, she relocated to Los Angeles with the aim of working in show business.[5]

In 2009, Perry joined No Means Yes, a girl group signed to Ne-Yo's record label comprising Perry (billed as "C.J."), Kat, Shea, and Tanu. The group released one single, "Would You Like That", and recorded two others ("7 Years Bad Luck" and "Burn Rubber") before disbanding in 2010.[5][6] Perry later stated:

A girlfriend of mine in college referred me to the man that was putting the group together. I honestly was so scared to sing and I didn't even know a song to sing at the audition so I sang "Jesus Loves Me". I remember them saying "we can work with her tone because she has the right look and she is a model that break dances". I am so thankful to this day for that experience because I do not think I would have ever gotten the role in Pitch Perfect if I hadn't overcome my fear to open my mouth and sing.[5]

Lana made some controversial comments during an in-ring promo prior to Rusev's match at Battleground, blaming the United States for current world events and praising Putin. Although she did not directly mention it, some media outlets said Lana was making reference to the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which happened three days before Battleground, to help build heat for Rusev in his feud against Jack Swagger.[21][22] A representative of WWE later told TMZ that the segment was not specifically about the Malaysia Airlines crash, noting that the Rusev-Lana storyline "has been a part of WWE programming for more than three months. WWE apologizes to anyone who misunderstood last night's segment and was offended".[23]

Following the November 3 episode of Raw, Rusev defeated Sheamus on WWE Network to capture the United States Championship.[24] At WrestleMania 31, Rusev lost the title to Cena after Rusev accidentally crashed into Lana, knocking her off the ring apron.[25] On May 17, at Payback, Cena defeated Rusev in an "I Quit" match after Lana quit on Rusev's behalf.[26] The following night on Raw, Lana justified her actions by explaining that Rusev said he quit in Bulgarian, only for him to harshly dismiss her; later that night, Lana kissed Dolph Ziggler, turning her face and officially ending their association.[27] After Ziggler being injured by Rusev,[28] he went to return on the August 17 episode of Raw, aiding Lana during a confrontation with Rusev and Summer Rae.[29] Rae went on to "seduce" Ziggler in order to end his relationship with Lana,[30][31] but the storyline ended quietly, after WWE announced that Lana had injured her wrist while training.[32] On October 11, TMZ reported that Lana had gotten engaged to Rusev,[33] which Lana confirmed.[34] Lana made her return, once again as a villainess, on the November 30 episode of Raw, where she and Rusev referenced their engagement.

On the April 25, 2016 episode of Raw, Lana returned to managing Rusev,[35] After being drafted to Raw as part of the 2016 WWE draft which took place on July 19,[36][37] Lana made her first appearance for the brand on August 1, where she accompanied Rusev.[38] On August 8, Rusev's and Lana's wedding celebration was usurped by Roman Reigns,[39] and one week later on the August 15 episode of Raw, Rusev competed in a match for Lana's honor against Reigns but lost.[40] In early 2017, Rusev suffered a legitimate shoulder injury, taking them off television.

On the February 29, 2016 episode of Raw, Lana confronted Brie Bella during a backstage segment, arguing that Bella's fans only supported her out of pity for having a "bad husband",[41] On the March 14 episode of Raw, she distracted Brie during a tag team match against Team B.A.D. (Naomi and Tamina), causing her to lose, and aligned herself with Team BAD.[42] On the March 22 episode of Main Event, she brought the returning Emma and Summer Rae to her guild.[43] As a result, Lana faced off Bella in a tag team match at the WrestleMania 32 pre-show, in what would be Lana's in-ring debut, which her team (dubbed Team B.A.D. & Blonde) lost.[44][45]

Throughout late July, she was booked with Rusev and Aiden English against Andrade "Cien" Almas and Zelina Vega. In the process, this turned Lana face, for the first time since 2015. At SummerSlam, Lana and Rusev faced Vega and Almas which they lost, however they won the rematch on the following night on SmackDown Live.[56] She competed at WrestleMania 35 in the annual Women's WrestleMania battle royal match, but did not win.[57]

Lana turned heel again on the September 30, 2019 edition of Raw, after betraying Rusev and kissing Bobby Lashley, during Rusev's Universal Championship match with Seth Rollins.[58] After Rusev was legitimately released from his WWE contract, Lana remained in character, mocking him on social media. Lana then began a feud with MVP, after he tried to gain Lashley as an ally.[59]

Lana has appeared in four WWE video games. She made her in-game debut at WWE 2K15 as an NPC, appearing during Rusev's entrance and winning celebration. She later made her managing debut in WWE 2K16 and later appearing in its follow-ups, WWE 2K17 and WWE 2K18. She was confirmed to be a playable character for the first time in WWE 2K19.[60]

In 2016, it was announced that Lana would be featured as a main cast member for the sixth season of Total Divas.[61]

^ abJames, Justin (November 1, 2013). "James's WWE NXT Report 10/30". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 3, 2013. Lefort comes into the ring and Rusev knocks him to the mat with a belly splash for no obvious reason. [Rusev] goes to the back without Lefort.